Was Tiki's at the Marriot there when you were here last. I'm trying to remember how new it is. Azure at the Royal Hawaiian is probably new since about then, and if you want to be extravagant LaMer at the Halekulani has reopened. I don't personally know anyone who has been, but talk on the street is very favorable. Was Morimoto (at the Modern/Ilikai) open then? Mostly good reviews, some people seem to feel it is a bit pretentious and overpriced - hey, it's Waikiki.

I'm probably alone in this, but I was a little disappointed in Whole Ox. Whatever they serve that day is wonderful, but whatever it is, thats pretty much what you get. Not a large menu. If you don't like eggs, forget about breakfast there. If you are expecting a full on New York deli, this is not it. If you like well prepared food in a very casual setting and are open to whatever they are serving that day, you probably won't be disappointed.

EDIT ADD: The new Nico's is also new since you were here. I really like it, although others say that Uncle's across the parking lot has stepped up their game and is good competition. Not as upscale (very casual), Fresh Catch in Kaimuki (in the Old Pizza Hut by 7-11) is also very good for fish. Great poke, fresh fish, or to eat there.

Yes, I've been to Tiki's a few times and it's also on my list. I haven't been to Azure but the reviews here seem kinda iffy. I will read them again. I'm still on the fence about La Mer. I've only been there once and thought it was a very pleasant dining experience but wasn't wowed. At that price point, I like to be wowed. I forgot about Morimoto, thanks. I'm pretty open to eating whatever so will probably be OK at Whole Ox.

just my opinion, but i've never been impressed with uncles. no doubt they have super fresh seafood, but its pricey and nearly everything i've had has been executed amateurly to bad. Some things at Nico's are tasty, some of the stuff is run of the mill. Their furikake ahi is so freakin good and cooked perfectly to order every time, i dont think i'll branch out anymore. but the new space is great, especially during the afternoon.

Had an early lunch at Nico's with some friends on Sunday before their flight home. Ordered the furikake ahi and catch of the day (already forgot what it was). The furikake ahi was definitely the tastier of the two. Nice space and good pre/post HNL stop.

Good dinner at Salt last night. Ordered the pork rillette, rabbit, tako, fried oysters and beet salad with the rillette and tako being our favorites. Pic of the tako and oysters. My husband said he felt like the oldest guy there though ;)

Went to Whole Ox for a late lunch yesterday. I was initially disappointed that they were out of the porchettaboutit. Ordered a landsberg instead and the roast beef was soooo good. Planning to return to try breakfast.

was treated to uncle's today, had the signature poke tower - sashimi grade poke, ahi tartar, guacamole over rice with some tortilla chips. the combination worked well, although some of the chips were too salty - minors. i would highly recommend it. prices were on the higher side, but under $20 for most entrees. zagat rated as very good to excellent.

I concur with Beach Chick. I have loved everything I've had there. I probably said it before but it's great that in addition to the Roy's Classics on the menu the chef of Waikiki has his own page with his creations, I love his food!

We have NOT done Waikiki, but have felt that the Phoenix/Scottsdale, and the Pebble Beach/Spanish Bay were both better than Hawai`i Kai, or the Maui locations. We dined at the Kaua`i location, after a storm, and then after a move, so would hate to grade them on our visit. The Waikola, Big Island location was once good, but the last time there, it was filled to the gills with conventioneers, who were all shouting, and carrying on, so we had a rather bad experience - the food and service were good, but overall, they got graded way, way down that visit.

Funny, we have never liked the mainland locations (been to Pasadena, downtown LA, Pebble Beach and maybe one other) but have enjoyed our meals at HK although it has been a while since we were last there.

Over the years, we have had three locations in Phoenix, but two have closed. Luckily, the final, remaining version (Westin) is the best. Pebble Beach was great, and so was one other Mainland location (brain cramp, as I cannot recall the location) were very good.

In Hawai`i, Hawai`i Kai was barely OK, both (original) Maui locations were less so, and Kaua`i was up and down, but one visit was just after Iniki, and with a recent reopening. Big Island was good, but went downhill quickly, when their great exec. chef moved "up" to corporate. Ko`olina was good, but we only did one lunch, and never diner, so I must hold out my rating - very good lunch, but do not know about dinner?

Much might depend on "the night," or on the exec. chef during that moment in time.

Dinner at Roys Ko Olina was pretty solid last night. Better than I remember it being and definitely better than the mainland ones I've tried. Don't know if it's as good as Waikiki or HK. Service was good too.

Lunch is still pretty weak both in terms of food and service. The difference between night and day was literally night and day. It felt like two different restaurants.

Bill - I had the most fabulous meal Saturday at the Waikiki Roy's. Just wonderful. Unusual in that the birthday girl wanted only appetizers and we had a completely fabulous meal for 4 people. Service was excellent. Interesting that the exec. chef was working the sushi station and had his sous working the line. The whole evening had excellent flow and perfect timing and execution of dishes. This is an example of why Roy's works. Folks exchange jobs and it still shines, giving others a chance is what it should be all about. Looking forward to my birthday meal there next month!

Aloha Bill..The only Roys I go to is Waikiki...its that good and sometimes, if I'm in the area, I'll hit up Pebble Beach for drinks to see the bagpipe guy.Back in the mid 90s, the Roys in Napili was pretty good.Strictly, a Roy's O'ahu Chica.

Ah, "the bagpipe guy!" When the marine layer is coming in, and one knows that they will likely "prang one off a deer the next morning at Poppy Hills, the bagpipe guy is welcome.

Next time in these environs (Phoenix, AZ), I would enjoy reading of your trip to the Desert Ridge (J W Marriott) Roy's location. Maybe we can do Roy's Waikiki in Dec., but it will have to be for lunch.